Overview

• Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada pleaded guilty to two organized‑crime counts in a Brooklyn federal court, acknowledging he led major drug trafficking operations, ordered killings, and financed protection through bribes to police, military officers and politicians in Mexico.
• Sentencing is set for January 13, 2026, after U.S. prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty and officials declared he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
• Prosecutors consolidated cases across districts and are seeking financial penalties reported at up to $15 billion in forfeiture and restitution.
• Defense attorney Frank Pérez said there is no cooperation agreement and that Zambada will not identify officials, even as U.S. authorities signaled related investigations will continue.
• The case tracks a surge in factional violence in Sinaloa, and through his lawyer Zambada urged residents to keep calm and avoid bloodshed.